Happy Bike to Work Month! If you’re new to bicycle
commuter or even a veteran rider, you know there are many different
components to a great bike ride: a safe route, nice weather, and tires
pumped with just enough air. But there is one important and essential
item we all need: a helmet that fits. Often times we take our helmet for
granted, but making sure your helmet fits properly can make a huge
difference in an accident.

Here are some steps to fit your helmet properly:

Make sure your helmet is snug around your head. It’s not a hat,
so it is not something you can just put on. Adjust the fit
pads or rings so that your helmet sits on your head leveled and
snug. Most helmets come with extra foam fitting pads with a top pad that
can be removed or replaced with a thinner pad. Removing this pad
will lower the helmet on the head to protect further down the sides
of your head. Use thicker pads on the sides if there is still some
space.

The next step is to adjust the side straps. After leveling the
helmet on your head, adjust the rear (nape) straps, then the front
straps to locate the Y fitting where the straps come together.
Where the straps come together should fall just under the ear.

Then, adjust the chin strap until it is comfortably snug. If there is a rear stabilizer, adjust that as well.

Now test it: Shake your head vigorously. The helmet shouldn’t
move too much. Then push the front of the helmet up and back. If
the helmet lifts more than an inch from being level then you must
tighten the strap in front of your ear. Second test— reach back and
pull up on the back edge. If it moves more than an inch, tighten
the nape strap.

Your helmet should be level and feel snug, not too tight, on your head.

Helmet fitting is not easy and it can take a few tries, but it is worth it!